Recent developments in atomically precise metal nanocluster-based photocatalysts for hydrogen production

Abstract

Photocatalytic hydrogen production offers a sustainable approach for utilising light energy, providing a promising solution to global energy challenges. The efficiency of this process relies on developing photocatalysts with broad light responsiveness and effective charge carrier separation capabilities. Atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) have emerged as a highly favourable class of materials for this role due to their unique atomic arrangements, ultrasmall size, quantum confinement effects, and plenty of surface-active sites. These exceptional properties endow NCs with semiconductor-like behaviour, allowing for the generation of electrons and holes under light excitation, thus driving the hydrogen production reaction. Moreover, their robust light-absorption properties across the UV to near-IR spectrum, coupled with tuneable optical properties controlled by their composition and structure, promise NCs as next-generation photocatalysts. This review explores recent developments in the application of NCs for photocatalytic hydrogen production, emphasising strategies to enhance charge carrier separation and transfer efficiency, as well as photostability. The discussion also highlights the challenges and future opportunities in using NCs for efficient hydrogen production.